PORT ANGELES — One student won a car from Ruddell Auto Mall and another a mountain bike from Big 5 Sporting Goods as rewards for good attendance.
Nathan Adamire, who won the car, and Isabella Monger, who received the bike, were among 101 Port Angeles High School students who were eligible for the prizes because of their attendance during the 2015-16 school year.
The students’ names were entered into a drawing for the inaugural Be Here to Win! attendance incentive program sponsored by Ruddell Auto Mall of Port Angeles and Big 5 Sporting Goods of Sequim.
High School Principal Jeff Clark drew the names of the two winning freshmen Friday during a presentation of year-end awards.
Before the drawing, Clark told the students who filled the auditorium that they were already winners, just for attending school.
Superintendent Marc Jackson, who announced the program in August after he filled the district’s top administrative position, said the purpose of the incentive program is to emphasize responsibility and the importance of attending school consistently.
To gain local sponsorship for the program, Jackson worked with Howie Ruddell, president and dealer of Ruddell Auto Mall, and staff from Big 5 Sporting Goods: District Manager Sarah Zimney; Brandon Wixon, Sequim store manager; and Harry McKerney, regional vice president.
“Ruddell Auto Mall generously offered a wonderful opportunity for the lucky winner to have wheels,” Jackson said.
“Nathan will have the loan of a car throughout the year or may choose to accept the ownership of a used car instead.
“Big 5 Sporting Goods generously supplied the bicycle for Isabella,” he added.
“We are so appreciative of our sponsors for stepping up and believing in this program.
“We look forward to working with them in the future to perhaps help us grow the program.”
Both Ruddell and McKerney spoke to the students about the importance of attending school and graduating from high school.
To be eligible for the drawing, students must have been enrolled in at least five classes on campus all year, earn all passing grades, have no unexcused absences and have no more than five excused absences or incidents of excessive tardiness.
Of the 101 who were eligible, 46 were freshmen, 33 were sophomores, 13 were juniors and 10 were from the senior class.
